Judith O'Malley-Ford will be accompanied by Federal member for Lilly, Wayne Swan at her signing for her new book, The Secret Stalker of the Prostateat Dymocks Books at Chermside on February 11th, from 11.30 to 1pm.

Wayne feels so strongly about the importance of this book that he has agreed to attend the signing to help promote the book.​Drop in to meet the author and buy an signed copy. It might save your life or that of someone close to you. And have a chat with your Federal Member for Lilly.

​This book is supported by many other public figures, including Major General John Hemsley Pearn AO RFD, Philip Adams, Peter Dornan, founder and convenor of the Prostate Cancer Support Group and Ian Smith, Queensland PCFA Board Member.

Author of the book, The Secret Stalker of the Prostrate, Dr Judith O'Malley-Ford said, 'To put prostate cancer in context, we can compare its incidence with that of other commonly occurring cancers.

'Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. It is more common than lung cancer, colon cancer or breast cancer in women. Research shows that the incidence of prostate cancer is far greater than breast cancer but the funding put into its early detection is far less. This needs to be addressed.'

The book was launched by Major General John Hemsley Pearn AO RFD at the Grange Bowls Club on Wednesday 2nd of November.

When asked to read and evaluate the book, Peter Dornan, founder and convener of the Prostate Cancer Support Group wrote, 'When I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1996, at the age of 52, as a health professional, a Physiotherapist, I was embarrassed and angry that I did not know what my prostate was, where it was and what it did. This is the book I would have loved to have at the time. Every question regarding anatomy, disease processes, decision making procedures for the treatment and considerations of the side effects, psycho-social effects and the impact on relationships, are concisely covered – all in layman terms. The most important section, dealing with the modern research of parametric MRI during diagnosis, is particularly useful.'

The book contains very detailed information on the common symptoms of not only prostate cancer but other less critical diseases of the uro-genital system. A comprehensive questionnaire will help men or their wives or partners pick up any changes that could be early warning signs. It goes on to explain in great detail, the steps that should be taken if a problem is suspected and the steps the medical professional will take to determine and treat the cause.

Dr O'Malley-Ford told me that, until recently, it was a relatively rare event for a man to bring a problem with the functioning of his uro-genital system to medical attention without prompting by a significant other. For those men who are in the process of taking that difficult step of presenting prostate problems to their doctors, including those unfortunate enough to be facing investigation for prostate cancer, this book is for them.

'I have a personal interest in the quest to improve men’s health. My father had prostate cancer. The bigger picture relating to prostate cancer also includes the associated risk of breast cancer for women in a family where the men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. There is scientific evidence that shows that the same inherited genetic risk factor applies to breast cancer as applies to prostate,' Dr O'Malley-Ford said.

In the foreword for the book, Philip Adams says, 'Australia needs a definitive work on the topic, one that gives prominence to the prostate, and sets out to answer those questions that men just don’t want to ask – a book written with intelligence, kindness, and humour. The topic has found its author in Dr. Judith O’Malley Ford. Her knowledge on the subject is profound, her writing lucid and humane. In this book, she comprehensively and compassionately addresses a major health issue for men – if not THE major health issue affecting men today.'

The book is available on line at www.morrispublishingaustralia.com as an eBook or paperback, and from bookshops and online book sellers.